Method for making fluorine labled L-Dopa

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for preparing F-Dopa and  18 F-Dopa and intermediates that are useful in the method. The invention is a method that synthesizes F-Dopa and  18 F-Dopa in good yield with high enantiopurity without the need for further transformations. The method includes the step of reacting a benzaldehyde derivative with a phosphonic acid derivative to produces an olefin intermediate that can be asymmetrically hydrogenated to produce the desired enantiomer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a diagnostic imaging technique for measuring the metabolic activity of cells in the human body. PET can show images of blood flow, glucose metabolism in the brain, or rapid changes in activity in various areas of the body. It can be used to show changes in physiology before any change in gross anatomy has occurred. PET has been used in diagnosing diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.

PET uses chemical compounds that are labeled with radioactive atoms that decay by emitting positrons. The most commonly used PET radioisotopes are ¹¹C, ¹³N, ¹⁵O, and ¹⁸F. Typically, the labeled compound is a natural substrate, substrate analog, or drug that is labeled with a radioisotope without altering the compound's chemical or biological properties. After injection into the tissue, the radiolabeled compound should follow the normal metabolic pathway of its unlabeled counterpart. The labeled compound emits positrons as it moves through the tissue. Collisions between the positrons and electrons that are present in the tissue emit gamma rays that are detectable by a PET scanner.

3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-Dopa) is the precursor for the neurotransmitter dopamine. L-Dopa is transported to the brain and is picked up by the nerve cells that produce dopamine. Once there, L-Dopa is converted into dopamine for the nerve cells to use as a neurotransmitter.

¹⁸F-labeled PET tracers have been used clinically in the study and diagnosis of brain abnormalities. In particular, 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[¹⁸F]fluoro-L-phenyl alanine (¹⁸F-Dopa) is a radiolabeled analog of L-Dopa that has been used in neurology to study metabolism, neurotransmission, and cell processes. ¹⁸F-Dopa is a PET tracer that is used to analyze the presynaptic domaine function in animals and humans. Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other biological disorders are easily determined via synaptic uptake of ¹⁸F-Dopa into various regions of the brain. 3,4-dihydroxy-6-fluoro-L-phenyl alanine (F-Dopa) is an analytical standard that is useful in the evaluation of ¹⁸F-Dopa compounds. Clinical use of ¹⁸F-Dopa has steadily increased resulting in a need to provide quicker and more efficient methods of its production.

Typical methods of preparing F-Dopa and ¹⁸F-Dopa result in racemic (d,l) mixtures that often require additional steps to isolate the L-enantiomer. Other methods avoid the need to resolve the enantiomers by starting with L-Dopa or L-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl alanine. Although these methods do not require additional steps to isolate the desired L-enantiomer, they have disadvantages that affect yield and efficiency.

Thus, there still exists a need for a method of preparing F-Dopa and ¹⁸F-Dopa in which the desired enantiomer can selectively be produced in high yield with high optical purity in a short number of synthetic steps without the need for extensive resolution.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a method that is useful for preparing L-Dopa analogs, such as F-Dopa and ¹⁸F-Dopa. The method uses a novel olefin intermediate. The olefin intermediate can be stereoselectively hydrogenated to produce the desired enantiomer in high optical purity. Typically, the olefin is stereoselectively hydrogenated with a chiral catalyst that asymmetrically adds hydrogen across the double bond.

Typically, the synthesis begins by reacting a benzaldehyde derivative with a phosphonic acid derivative to produce the following olefin intermediate:

wherein R is typically hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁ is typically hydrogen or —O—R; R₂ is a carboxylic protecting group; Y is an amine protecting group; and X is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, amino, stannyl, silyl, thio, phosphoryl, boryl or oxo group.

The olefin intermediate can be stereoselectively hydrogenated with a catalyst to produce either the R or S enantiomer. In the next step, the protecting groups can be removed to afford the desired product.

The method can be used to prepare L-Dopa analogs in a minimum number of steps. The hydrogenation step increases yield and efficiency because a catalyst can be chosen that will produce the desired enantiomer. Thus, the invention provides an efficient and economical method for preparing L-Dopa analogs.

The synthesis of F-Dopa can begin with reacting 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde derivative with tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester to produce an intermediate having the following formula:

wherein R′ is a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁′ is —O—R′; and X is halogen, such as fluorine. The intermediate contains an olefin that can be stereoselectively hydrogenated with a catalyst to produce either the S or R enantiomer. After the intermediate is hydrogenated, the hydroxyl and amine protecting groups are removed to afford F-Dopa.

The synthesis of ¹⁸F-Dopa follows a similar reaction scheme. In the preparation of ¹⁸F-Dopa, 3,4-dimethoxy-6-iodobenzaldehyde is reacted with tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester to produce the intermediate containing an olefin. The intermediate is stereoselectively hydrogenated with a catalyst. The 3,4-methyl groups are removed, and the phenols are then protected with di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (Boc₂O) or 2-tert-Butoxycarbonyloxyimino-2-phenylcetonitrile (Boc-On). The halogen at the 5-position, typically an iodine atom, is then replaced with a tin moiety to produce the ¹⁸F-Dopa precursor:

wherein R′ is a hydroxyl protecting group, and R₁′ is —O—R′.

The precursor is fluoro-destannylated and the protecting groups are removed to produce ¹⁸F-Dopa.

This method prepares F-Dopa and ¹⁸F-Dopa in minimal number of steps and does not require additional steps to isolate the desired enantiomer. The resulting product is produced in good yield with high optical purity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a reaction scheme for preparing F-Dopa; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a reaction scheme for preparing ¹⁸F-Dopa and its related precursor.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a process for preparing L-Dopa analogs, and in particular, F-Dopa and ¹⁸F-Dopa in a short number of steps without the need for extensive resolution. The process includes the step of reacting a benzaldehyde derivative with a phosphonic acid derivative to produce an intermediate having an olefin moiety. The olefin can be stereoselectively hydrogenated with a chiral catalyst and hydrogen gas to produce the desired enantiomer.

The synthesis of L-Dopa analogs begins with reacting a benzaldeyde derivative with a phosphonic acid derivative to produce an intermediate having an olefin moiety. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the synthesis includes the steps of:

-   -   (a) reacting compound 1 with compound 2 to produce an         intermediate having an olefin (compound 3);     -   (b) stereoselectively hydrogenating the olefin to produce         compound 4; and     -   (c) optionally, deprotecting the hydroxyl, carboxylic, and amine         moieties.

As shown in FIG. 1, the process begins with reacting a benzaldehyde derivative with a phosphonic acid derivative to produce an olefin intermediate according to the following reaction scheme:

wherein:

-   -   R is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group;     -   R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R;     -   X is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, amino, stannyl, silyl, thio,         phosphoryl, boryl or oxo group;     -   R₂ is a carboxylic acid protecting group; and     -   Y is an amine protecting group.         Reaction step (a) typically takes place in a polar aprotic         solvent under an inert atmosphere. Suitable solvents include,         without limitation, chloroform (CHCl₃), methylene chloride         (CH₂Cl₂), tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetonitrile (CH₃CN),         N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), and N-methylpyrrolidine (NMP).

After reaction step (a) is complete, the olefin intermediate 3 is treated with a chiral catalyst and hydrogen gas to asymmetrically add hydrogen across the double bond and produce the desired enantiomer. Reaction step (b) is illustrated in the following reaction scheme:

wherein R, R₁, R₂, X and Y are the same as defined above. Reaction step (b) is typically carried out in THF, methanol, (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), CH₂Cl₂, and mixtures and blends thereof.

In optional reaction step (c), any protecting groups that are present can be removed to produce the final product:

wherein R₁ and X are the same as defined above. Typically, the protecting groups are removed by treating compound 4 with a reagent that is suitable for removing a particular protecting group. Suitable reagents include, without limitation, hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydroiodic acid (HI), boron tribromide (BBr₃), and trimethylsilyliodide (TMSI).

In a preferred method of preparing F-Dopa, 2-fluoro-4,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde is reacted with tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester to produce 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2-fluoro-4,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-acrylic acid ethyl ester. In this method R is methyl, R₁ is methoxy, X is fluorine, R₂ is methyl, and Y is tert-butoxycarbonyl.

[¹⁸F]Fluoro-labeled L-Dopa and a related precursor can also be prepared using the method of the invention. The synthesis of ¹⁸F-Dopa is illustrated in FIG. 2. Similar to the process for preparing F-Dopa, the synthesis begins by treating a benzaldehyde derivative with a phosphonic acid derivative to produce an olefin intermediate.

With reference to FIG. 2, the synthesis of ¹⁸F-Dopa begins with the reaction of compound 1a with compound 2a, wherein R, R₁, R₂, and Y are the same as defined above, and X is halogen. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the synthesis includes the following steps:

-   -   (1) reacting compound 1a with compound 2a to produce an         intermediate having an olefin (3a);     -   (2) asymmetrically hydrogenating the olefin to produce compound         4a;     -   (3) stannylating compound 4a to produce the ¹⁸F-Dopa precursor         (7a); and     -   (4) optionally, radiolabeling the precursor to produce ¹⁸F-Dopa         (8a).

Typically, the synthesis of ¹⁸F-Dopa begins with a commercially available benzaldehyde derivative such as 3,4-dimethoxy-6-iodobenzaldehyde. Other commercially available iodobenzaldehyde derivatives having different alkoxy groups can be used. Typical examples include, without limitation, ethoxy, benzyloxy, and allyoxy.

If a benzaldehyde derivative having protecting groups other than tert-butoxycarbonyl (“Boc”) is used as the starting material it may be desirable to hydrolyze the group(s) and reprotect them with Boc. It has been found that Boc is an excellent protecting group that facilitates fluoro-destannylation and the final hydrolysis after the fluorination step. It should be recognized that other protecting groups can be used in place of Boc, although not necessarily with equivalent results. Other suitable protecting groups that can be used in place of Boc include, without limitation, carbamates, and in particular, moieties containing carbonyl groups.

With reference to FIG. 2, a reaction scheme is shown that includes the alternative steps of hydrolyzing the methoxy groups and reprotecting them with Boc. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the reaction scheme further includes the steps of:

-   -   (2a) removing any alkyl or benzyl moieties from each R and R₁;         and     -   (2b) reprotecting the phenol groups.

In the final step of preparing the ¹⁸F-Dopa precursor, the reaction product of step 2 is treated with a stannylating agent, such as hexamethylditin, to produce the ¹⁸F-Dopa precursor.

The resulting precursor is shelf stable at room temperature and reacts quickly with [¹⁸F]CH₃COOF, [¹⁸F]F₂, or [¹⁸F]OF₂, or mixtures thereof to produce ¹⁸F-Dopa in high yield that can be injected into a patient and tracked with PET. A preferred ¹⁸F-Dopa precursor is shown below:

wherein R″ is hydrogen or —O-Boc.

Typically, the precursor is fluoro-destannylated on site or at a location that is close to the PET facilities. ¹⁸F-Dopa is prepared by bubbling [¹⁸F]CH₃COOF, [¹⁸F]F₂, or [¹⁸F]OF₂ through the precursor and treating the resultant product with HBr followed by partial neutralization with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (Namavari, M., et al., Appl. Radiat. Isot., 1992, 43 989-996). Other reagents may be used to hydrolyze the final product, such as HI, BBr₃, TMSI, or HBr in acetic acid. The final product has the following formula:

wherein R₃ is hydrogen or a hydroxyl group. The method for preparing ¹⁸F-Dopa is efficient and is carried out in a minimum number of steps, and produces ¹⁸F-Dopa in good yield with high optical purity.

Hydroxyl and carboxylic protecting groups that are useful in the invention must fulfill a number of requirements. The protecting groups should react selectively in good yield to give a protected substrate that is stable for future reactions. The protecting groups should be able to be selectively removed in good yield at the end of the reaction scheme or at any other time that is appropriate. Suitable protecting groups should also prevent unwanted reactions towards the hydroxyl group (or in the case of R₂, towards the carboxylic group), should not be affected by reaction conditions, and should not interfere with reactions on other portions of the molecule. It is also desirable that the protecting groups will help enhance reactions by increasing yield or selectivity.

Exemplary hydroxyl protecting groups include, without limitation, alkyl, alkyl ether and alkyl thioethers _(C1-C10) including, without limitation, methyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, methoxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, phenylthiomethyl, azidomethyl, cyanomethyl, and 1-ethoxyethyl; cyclic alkanes and ethers _(C3-C10) including, without limitation, tetrahydropyranyl, cyclopropylmethyl, and cyclohexyl; vinylic _(C2-C5), allylic _(C2-C5) including, without limitation, allyl, propargylic _(C2-C5) including propargyl and alkynic _(C2-C5); substituted phenyl, substituted benzyl, and substituted aryl groups including, without limitation, benzyloxymethyl, phenylthiomethyl, phenacyl, benzyl, 2,6-dimethylbenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, 4-(dimethylamino)carbonylbenzyl, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl, 9-anthrylmethyl, 4-picolyl, and mono to multiply substituted arenes with halo, nitro, or amino groups; ester groups including, without limitation, acetate, levulinate, pivaloate, benzoate, 9-fluorenecarboxylate, and xanthenecarboxylate; carbonate groups including, without limitation, methyl carbonate, 1-adamantyl carbonate, t-butyl carbonate, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl carbonate, 2,4-dimethyl-pent-3-yl carbonate, vinyl carbonate, benzyl carbonate, and aryl carbamates; sulfonate groups including, without limitation, methylsulfonyl (mesylate), p-methylbenzenesulfonyl (tosylate), 4-nitrobenzene sulfonyl (nosylate), p-bromobenzenesulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl (triflate), 2-formylbenzenesulfonate, sulfoxides, and sulfonamides; silyl groups including, without limitation, alkyl silanes and aryl silanes; phosphinates including, without limitation, dimethylphosphinyl, dimethylphosphinothioyl, and diphenylphosphinothioyl. Additionally, R and R₁ can be joined together in a cyclic fashion with an additional 1 to 3 carbon atoms to form a ring size from 5 to 8 carbon atoms including the protecting groups methylene, pivaldehyde acetal, acetonide, cyclohexylidene, diphenylmethylene, ethyl orthoformate, cyclic borate, and cyclic carbonate.

Particularly useful protecting groups include, without limitation, methoxy, straight or branched alkyl _(C1-C4), isopropyl, t-butyl, benzyl and its derivatives such as paramethoxy benzyl, acetate, pivaloate, benzoate and its derivatives such as paramethoxy benzoate, carbonate derivatives such as methyl carbonate, benzyl carbonate, tert-butyl carbonate, cyclic derivatives such as methylene and cyclic carbonate, and acetals such as tetrahydropyran and tetrahyrofuran. It should be recognized that a great variety of protecting groups could be used in the practice of the invention, although not necessarily with equivalent results.

Typically, the hydroxyl protecting groups would also work as carboxylic protecting groups. Useful carboxylic protecting groups include, without limitation, straight or branched alkyl groups from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, allyl, t-butyl, and isopropyl; alkyl esters and thio esters including, without limitation, methoxymethyl ester, methylthiomethyl ester, tetrahydropyranyl ester, S-t-butyl ester, phenacyl ester, and N-phthalimidomethyl ester; benzyl esters including, without limitation, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, diphenylmethyl, 4-sulfonobenzyl, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl; 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl ester, cinnamyl ester, triphenylmethyl ester, 9-anthrylmethyl ester, piperonyl ester; and ortho ester; amides including, without limitation, N,N-dimethyl amide and piperidinyl.

Amine protecting groups that are useful in the invention, much like hydroxyl protecting groups, prevent unwanted reactions towards the amine group, are not affected by reaction conditions, do not interfere with reactions on other portions of the molecule, and are easily removed at the end of the reaction scheme or at any other time that is appropriate. It is also desirable that the protecting group will help enhance reactions by increasing yield or selectivity.

Useful amine protecting groups include, without limitation, carbamates such as tert-butyl carbamate, methyl carbamate, 9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 1,1 dimethylpropynyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-phenylethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(4-biphenyl)ethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-haloethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2 cyanoethyl carbamate, t-butyl carbamate, cyclobutyl carbamate, 1-methylcyclobutyl carbamate, 1-adamantyl carbamate, vinyl carbamate, allyl carbamate, cinnamyl carbamate, 8-quinolyl carbamate, N-hydroxypiperidinyl carbamate, 4,5-diphenyl-3-oxazolin-2-one, benzyl carbamate, p-nitrobenzyl carbamate, 3,4-dimethoxy-6-nitrobenzyl carbamate, 5-benzisoxazolylmethyl carbamate, 9-anthrylmethyl carbamate, diphenylmethyl carbamate, isonicotinyl carbamate, and S-benzyl carbamate; ureas including, without limitation, N′-phenylaminothiocarbonyl; amides and cyclic amines including, without limitation, formyl, acetyl, N-o-nitrophenylacetyl, N-o-nitrophenoxyacetyl, N-acetoacetyl, N-3-phenylpropionyl, N-2-methyl-2-(o-nitrophenoxy)propionyl, N-2-methyl-2-(o-phenylazophenoxy)propionyl, N-o-nitrocinnamoyl, N-picolinoyl, N-(N′-acetylmethionyl), N-benzoyl, N-phthaloyl, and N-dithiasuccinoyl; N-aryl and N-alkyl amines including, without limitation, N-allyl, N-phenylacyl, N-3-acetoxypropyl, N-methoxymethyl, N-benzyloxymethyl, N-pivaloyloxymethyl, N-tetrahydropyranyl, N-benzyl, N-di(p-methoxyphenyl)methyl, N-triphenylmethyl, N-(p methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethyl, N-di(p-methoxyphenyl)phenylmethyl, N-diphenyl-4-pyridylmethyl, and N-2-picolyl-N′-oxide; imine and enamine derivatives including, without limitation, N,N′-isopropylidene, N-benzylidene, N-salicylidene, and N-(5,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-1-cyclohexenyl); N-boranes including N-diphenyl boronic acid derivatives; N-sulfonates and sulfenates including, without limitation, N-beneze sulfenyl, N-2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl, N-toluene sulfonyl, N-benzene sulfonyl, N-trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and N-phenacylsulfonyl; N-phosphinyl groups including, without limitation, N-diphenylphosphinyl and N-dimethylthiophosphinyl; N-oxide, and N-nitro. Exemplary amine protecting groups include, without limitation, N-Boc, N-formyl, N-acetyl, and N-benzoyl.

Typically, asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts are transition metal complexes with chiral ligands. The most widely used chiral catalysts include rhodium, ruthenium and iridium complexes of phosphine ligands. Some of the most useful phosphine ligands include, without limitation, BINAP, BPPM, DEGPHOS, DIOP, DIPAMP, CHIRAPHOS, SKEWPHOS, DUPHOS, BoPhoz, CnrPHOS, SYNPHOS, MeO-BIPHEP, XYLIPHOS, and BPE. It should be understood that a variety of different catalysts could be used with the invention provided that they have excellent reactivity and asymmetrically add hydrogen to produce the desired enantiomer in high enantiomeric excess (ee), typically, about 90% ee or greater. It is also desirable to keep catalyst loading to a minimum. Typically, in the interest of reducing costs, catalyst loading should be kept below 10 mole percent. Additionally, depending upon need, the catalyst can be chosen to produce either the S or R enantiomer.

As should be apparent from the above disclosure, the invention would also provide a useful and efficient method for synthesizing analogs of L-Dopa and related compounds such as L-Tyrosine, M-Tyrosine, and in particular fluoro-labeled tyrosine derivatives.

EXAMPLE 1 2-t-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2-fluoro-4,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-propionic Acid Methyl Ester

Step a: synthesis of 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2-fluoro-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-acrylic acid ethyl ester. To a stirred solution of 2-fluoro-4,5-dimethoxy benzaldehyde (1.0 g, 5.4 mmol) and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanadine (0.9 g, 8.1 mmol) in chloroform (10 mL) is added tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester (1.7 g 5.4 mmol) dropwise at room temperature under a N₂ atmosphere. The resulting solution is stirred overnight. The solution is concentrated in vacuo and the resulting product is redissolved in chloroform (20 mL) and ethyl acetate (20 mL) and washed with water (30 mL). The pH is lowered to 6 by the addition of HCl (10% solution). The phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with water (30 mL). The combined aqueous phases are concentrated in vacuo to dryness to afford 2.1 g (100%) of a white solid. ¹H NMR is consistent with theory.

In step b, the olefin intermediate is dissolved in ethyl acetate/methanol (1/1, 40 mL) with heating. The solution is charged to a glass pressure vessel together with (S,S)-Et-DUPHOS-Rh (15 mg, 0.2 mol %). After 4 vacuum/hydrogen cycles, the vessel is pressurized to an initial pressure of 30 psi. The mixture is cooled to room temperature and then is redissolved using heat. This process is repeated several times. The mixture is left overnight at room temperature. The reaction is allowed to continue for 16 hours. TLC and ¹H NMR analysis indicate about 50% conversion of the starting material. The reaction mixture is concentrated to dryness and purified by chromatography on silica gel. The hydrogenation process is repeated using (S,S)-Et-DUPHOS-Rh (30 mg, 0.4 mol %). After two hours the reaction is stopped and TLC analysis indicated that the conversion is complete. The reaction mixture is filtered though Celite, concentrated to dryness and purified on silica gel to afford 3 g (93%) of an amorphous solid. Chiral HPLC analysis indicates that the mixture of l to d isomers is 98.5:1.5 (97% ee).

Synthesis of F-Dopa

Step (c): synthesis of (2S)-2-amino-3-(2-fluoro-4,5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-propionic acid. HBr (10 mL, 48% water solution) is added to the reaction product of step (b). The reaction is heated in an oil bath for 5 hours. LC/MS analysis indicates complete consumption of the starting material. The reaction mixture is concentrated to dryness and the structural data indicates that the product is F-Dopa. MS: Calculated for C₉H₁₀FNO₄: 215.06; found: 216 (M+H), 238 (M+H), 214 (M−H). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₂D₆SO) δ: 2.87-2.98 (2H, m), 3.95 (1H, s), 6.52-6.62 (2H, m), 8.23 (3H, s), 8.84 (1H, s), 9.35 (1H, s), 13.74 (1H, s).

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of ¹⁸F-DOPA Precursor

Step a: synthesis of iodo olefin intermediate. To a stirred solution of dimethoxyiodo benzaldehyde (1.6 g, 5.4 mmol) and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanadine (0.9 g, 8.1 mmol) in chloroform (10 mL) is added tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester (1.7 g 5.4 mmol) dropwise at room temperature under a N₂ atmosphere. The resulting solution is stirred overnight. The solution is concentrated in vacuo and the resulting product is redissolved in chloroform (20 mL) and ethyl acetate (20 mL) and washed with water (30 mL). The pH is lowered to 6 by the addition of HCl (10% solution). The phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with water (30 mL). The combined aqueous phases are concentrated in vacuo to dryness to afford a white solid.

In step b, the olefin intermediate is dissolved in ethyl acetate/methanol (1/1, 40 mL) with heating. The solution is charged to a glass pressure vessel together with (S,S)-Et-DUPHOS-Rh (15 mg, 0.2 mol %). After 4 vacuum/hydrogen cycles, the vessel is pressurized to an initial pressure of 30 psi. The mixture is cooled to room temperature and then is redissolved using heat. This process is repeated several times. The mixture is left overnight at room temperature. The reaction is allowed to continue for 16 hours. TLC and ¹H NMR analysis indicate about 50% conversion of the starting material. The reaction mixture is concentrated to dryness and purified by chromatography on silica gel. The hydrogenation process is repeated using (S,S)-Et-DUPHOS-Rh (30 mg, 0.4 mol %). After two hours the reaction is stopped and TLC analysis indicated that the conversion is complete. The reaction mixture is filtered though Celite, concentrated to dryness and purified on silica gel to afford an amorphous solid.

Step c: removal of the methoxy groups. Into a dry 100 ml one-necked round bottom flask is added the dimethoxy derivative (2.54 g, 5.3 mmol) and anhydrous dichloromethane (40 mL). The reaction flask is cooled to −78° C. and BBr₃ (1 M in CH₂Cl₂, 19 mL, 27.8 g, 111 mmol) is added to the flask. The mixture is stirred for 30 minutes and then at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction is then poured onto ice water (100 mL) and stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. The two layers are separated with a separatory funnel. The solids leftover are dissolved in acetonitrile, and washed with brine and CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers are dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to dryness to afford a solid.

Step d: addition of the Boc protecting groups. Into a dry 100 ml one-necked round bottom flask is added the catechol derivative (2.16 g, 4.8 mmol) and anhydrous DMF (30 mL). The solution is cooled to 0° C. Triethylamine is added (1.5 mL, 10.5 mmol) and the reaction color changes from yellow to dark brown. After stirring for 15 minutes, di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (3.1 g, 14.3 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) is added using an addition funnel over 10 minutes. The reaction is stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture is poured onto brine and extracted into Et₂O. The combined organic layers are washed with water (5×'s), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to dryness. The crude product is purified on silica gel using 4:1 Et₂O:hexane as the eluent to afford the product.

Step e: formation of the stannylated precursor. Into a dry 100 mL one-neck round bottom flask containing the reaction product of step (d) (1.11 g, 1.7 mmol) is added dried, degassed (via argon sparge) 1,4-dioxane (25 mL) upon which the solution becomes homogeneous. Hexamethylditin (1.5 mL, 3.4 mmol) is added under argon via a syringe followed by the addition of Pd (O) tetrakis triphenylphosphine catalyst (0.1 g) forming a yellow solution. The reaction is heated at reflux for 5 hours upon which a black precipitant forms, which indicates completion of the reaction. If a black precipitant does not form after 5 hours, additional hexamethylditin is added (3.4 mmol). The reaction mixture is filtered and concentrated to dryness. The residue is purified on silica gel using 2.5 Et₂O:hexane as the eluent to afford the precursor.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A process for preparing a compound of the Formula I:

wherein R is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R; and X is a halogen, nitro, amino, stannyl, silyl, thio, phosphoryl, boryl or oxo group; the process comprising: (a) reacting a compound of the formula:

wherein R, R₁, and X are the same as defined above, with a compound having the following formula:

wherein R₂ is a carboxylic acid protecting group and Y is an amine protecting group to produce a compound having the following formula:

wherein R, R₁, R₂, Y, and X are the same as defined above; (b) hydrogenating compound III. with a stereoselective catalyst to produce a compound having the formula:

wherein R, R₁, R₂, and X are the same as defined above, and (c) optionally, deprotecting the hydroxyl, amine, and carboxylic acid groups.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein reaction step (a) is carried out in a polar aprotic solvent under an inert atmosphere.
 3. The process according to claim 2, wherein the solvent is chloroform, methylene chloride, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, N,N-dimethyl formamide, or N-methyl pyrrolidine.
 4. The process according to claim 1, wherein reaction step (b) is carried out in a solvent selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, and mixtures and blends thereof.
 5. The process according to claim 4, wherein the solvent in reaction step (b) is a mixture of EtOH and EtOAc.
 6. The process according to claim 6, wherein the solvent is 50% EtOH and 50% EtOAc.
 7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of BINAP, BPPM, DEGPHOS, DIOP, DIPAMP, CHIRAPHOS, SKEWPHOS, DUPHOS, BoPhoz, CnrPHOS, SYNPHOS, MeO-BIPHEP, XYLIPHOS and BPE.
 8. The process according to claim 1, wherein R is hydrogen and R₁ is hydroxyl.
 9. The process according to claim 1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, straight or branched alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, acetate, pivaloate, benzoate, benzyl, and tert-butoxycarbonyl.
 10. The process according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R, and wherein R is straight or branched alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, acetate, pivaloate, benzoate, benzyl, methyl carbonate, benzyl carbonate, or tert-butoxycarbonyl.
 11. The process according to claim 1, wherein X is fluorine.
 12. The process according to claim 1, wherein reaction step (c) comprises treating the compound of Formula IV. with hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, boron tribromide, or trimethylsilyliodide.
 13. The process according to claim 1, wherein Y is tert-butoxycarbonyl, N-formyl, N-acetyl, or N-benzoyl.
 14. The process according to claim 1, wherein R₂ is methyl, ethyl, allyl, t-butyl, isopropyl, methoxymethyl ester, methylthiomethyl ester, tetrahydropyranyl ester, S-t-butyl ester, phenacyl ester, N-phthalimidomethyl ester, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, diphenylmethyl, 4-sulfonobenzyl, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl ester, cinnamyl ester, triphenylmethyl ester, 9-anthrylmethyl ester, piperonyl ester, N,N-dimethyl amide, or piperidinyl.
 15. The process according to claim 1, wherein the compound of Formula I. is 2-fluoro-4-hydroxyl-L-phenyl alanine or 3,4-dihydroxyl-6-fluoro-L-phenyl alanine.
 16. A process for preparing ¹⁸F-Dopa comprising: (1) reacting a compound of the formula:

wherein R is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R, and X is halogen, with a compound having the formula:

wherein R₂ is a carboxylic protecting group and Y is an amine protecting group, to produce a compound having the following formula:

wherein R, R₁, and X are the same as defined above; (2) asymmetrically hydrogenating the product of reaction step (1) to produce a compound having the formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, Y, and X are the same as defined above; (3) stannylating the reaction product of step (2) to produce a compound having the following formula:

wherein R, R₁, R₂, and Y are the same as defined above; (4) radiofluorinating the reaction product of step (3) to produce a compound having the following formula:

wherein R, R₁, R₂, and Y are the same as defined above; and (5) deprotecting the hydroxyl, carboxylic, and amine groups.
 17. The process according to claim 16, wherein R is alkyl and R₁ is alkoxy, and step (2) further comprises the step of removing each alkyl group at R and R₁.
 18. The process according to claim 17, wherein removing the alkyl groups further comprises the step of reprotecting the phenols with tert-butoxycarbonyl to produce a compound having the following formula:

wherein R₂ and Y are the same as defined above.
 19. The process according to claim 16, wherein X is iodine.
 20. The process according to claim 16, wherein Y is tert-butoxycarbonyl.
 21. The process according to claim 16, wherein R₂ is alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 22. The process according to claim 16, wherein R is hydrogen, and R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R.
 23. The process according to claim 16, wherein the step of hydrogenating the reaction product of step (1) comprises using a stereoselective catalyst in the presence of hydrogen gas.
 24. The process according to claim 16, wherein the step of radiofluorinating the reaction product of step (3) includes treating the product of step (3) with [¹⁸F]CH₃COOF, [¹⁸F]F₂, [¹⁸F]OF₂, or mixtures thereof.
 25. The process according to claim 16, wherein the step of deprotecting the product of reaction step (5) includes treating the product with hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, boron tribromide, or trimethylsilyliodide.
 26. A process for preparing a compound having the following formula:

wherein R is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R, and X a halogen, nitro, amino, stannyl, silyl, thio, phosphoryl, boryl or oxo group, the process comprising reacting a compound of the formula:

wherein R, R₁, and X are the same as defined above, with tert-butoxycarbonyl-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester.
 27. The process according to claim 26, wherein X is a halogen atom selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and iodine.
 28. The process according to claim 26, wherein R is hydrogen, methyl, or alkyl from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.
 29. The process according to claim 26, wherein R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, or alkoxy from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.
 30. A process for preparing a compound having the formula:

wherein R₃ is hydrogen or —O-Boc, comprising: a. reacting a compound of the formula:

wherein R is hydrogen, methyl, or a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R; and X is halogen, with tert-butoxycarbonyl-(dimethoxy-phosphoryl)-acetic acid methyl ester to produce a compound having the following formula:

wherein R, R₁, and X are the same as defined above; b. asymmetrically hydrogenating the product of reaction step (a) to produce a compound having the formula:

wherein R, R₁, and X are the same as defined above; c. optionally, converting any alkyl groups that are present at each R and R₁ into tert-butoxycarbonyl groups; and d. stannylating the product from step (b) or (c).
 31. The process according to claim 30, wherein R is hydrogen and R₁ is hydroxyl.
 32. The process according to claim 30, wherein R and R₁ are each hydrogen.
 33. The process according to claim 30, wherein the step of stannylating the reaction product of step (c) includes treating the product with hexamethylditin.
 34. A compound having the following formula:

wherein R is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R₁ is hydrogen or —O—R; R₂ is a carboxylic acid protecting group; Y is an amine protecting group; and X is halogen, nitro, amino, stannyl, silyl, thio, phosphoryl, boryl or oxo group.
 35. The compound according to claim 34, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of fluorine, bromine, chlorine, and iodine.
 36. The compound according to claim 34, wherein X is fluorine.
 37. The compound according to claim 34, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, or methoxy.
 38. The compound according to claim 34, wherein R₂ is methyl, ethyl, allyl, t-butyl, isopropyl, methoxymethyl ester, methylthiomethyl ester, tetrahydropyranyl ester, S-t-butyl ester, phenacyl ester, N-phthalimidomethyl ester, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, diphenylmethyl, 4-sulfonobenzyl, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl ester, cinnamyl ester, triphenylmethyl ester, 9-anthrylmethyl ester, piperonyl ester, N,N-dimethyl amide, or piperidinyl.
 39. The compound according to claim 34, wherein R₂ is alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 40. The compound according to claim 34, wherein Y is tert-butoxycarbonyl.
 41. The compound according to claim 34, wherein the compound is (R,S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2-fluoro-4,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-propionic acid methyl ester. 